Making people feel welcome is such an important thing in life and yet it's importance can be underestimated as a ministry in a parish. If you have ever visited another church, a friendly welcome from your brothers and sisters in Christ can instantly make you feel at home, as you should in any church as part of the Universal Catholic family.

With our parish priests often making the final preparations for Mass it is great to have parishioners at the door to welcome people and, in a practical way, to give out hymn books, mass sheets, newsletters, and anything else that might be needed for the celebration of the liturgy.

A small hello is also a great way to build community and in a small way, can make people feel welcome, valued and appreciated. This is something Jesus did so beautifully, particularly by reaching out to those who were ignored by society and, with reports that over 9 million people feel lonely in this country, we never truly know what difference a friendly welcome can have.

This is particularly important for those who may be apprehensive about coming to church for the first time or maybe for the first time in a long time. You could be the friendly, welcoming face they needed to see when stepping into the church.

If you are interested in becoming a Welcomer please make yourself known to one of our priests and you will be added to the next Rota.